Giant statues of Pharaoh Ramses II adorn the entrance to his 13th century BC Temple at Abu Simbel, Egypt next to the border of Sudan and 300 kms south of Aswan 15 December 2009. The Temple of Abu Simbel is a World Heritage site and consists of the Temple of Ramses II, commemorating the Battle of Kadesh, and the Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to his Nubian wife and queen. Because of its isolated location it receives only a few thousand visitors each day. Photo by Michael Nelson